Two years since RG Kar rape-murder, West Bengal medical institutions to observe 2-min silence today

West Bengal’s government hospitals observed a two-minute silence on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in remembrance of a postgraduate trainee doctor who was raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata exactly two years prior. The observance took place simultaneously across all government hospitals in the state, with doctors, nurses, and other staff joining in the tribute. At the health ministry’s headquarters in Salt Lake, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Sharadwat Mukherjee and senior officials participated in the silence. Paramilitary personnel stationed at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital also joined the gathering, underscoring the ongoing security concerns linked to the case. The commemoration marked the second anniversary of the tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, 2024, when the body of the young doctor was discovered in a seminar room within the hospital premises. The victim, later known publicly as “Abhaya” during widespread protests, had been working as an on-duty physician at the time of the attack. Her death sparked intense public outrage and prompted nationwide demonstrations by medical professionals, students, and civil society groups demanding transparency in the investigation and improved safety protocols for healthcare workers. The West Bengal Junior Doctors’ Front, which spearheaded protests after the body was found, organized a free clinic for underprivileged communities in Chitpur, north Kolkata, as part of its efforts to seek justice for the deceased. One participating doctor emphasized the symbolic nature of the event, stating that the clinic aimed to honor the memory of the victim while continuing the fight for accountability. The Supreme Court had previously mandated several safety measures for hospital staff following the incident, including the deployment of paramilitary forces at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. Despite these precautions, the case remains shrouded in controversy. While Sanjay Roy was convicted and given a life sentence by the Sealdah sessions court, the victim’s family and some of her colleagues have insisted that others were involved in the crime. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to probe potential conspiracies, acting on orders from the Calcutta High Court. The victim’s mother, who became a member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly representing the Panihati constituency in North 24 Parganas district, has remained actively engaged in advocating for justice. Her political presence has added another layer of complexity to the case, particularly as it intersects with broader regional dynamics. The Calcutta High Court recently directed the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to re-examine aspects of the case, including the handling of evidence and the sequence of events surrounding the incident. The SIT, composed of three members led by the Joint Director (Eastern Zone) of the CBI, has been authorized to question individuals deemed relevant to the case. This renewed focus comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the hospital administration, which faces separate allegations of financial impropriety. Earlier in 2025, the CBI submitted a chargesheet implicating former R.G. Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh and several others in financial misconduct. The probe into these matters was initiated following a high court directive, highlighting the intersection of administrative failures and criminal activity in the wake of the tragedy. These developments continue to fuel demands for comprehensive reforms within the state’s healthcare infrastructure. As the two-year mark passes, the collective grief and unresolved questions surrounding the case remain palpable. The silence observed across the state serves both as a solemn remembrance and a call to action, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and reform in protecting healthcare workers.